British business is missing the African dream

Share via

As Chinese and Indian companies scramble for Africa’s billion consumers, Britain is in danger of being left behind

Ministers are constantly chiding British companies for failing to exploit the growth of China and India. One of David Cameron’s favourite facts is that Britain exports more to Ireland than it does to Brazil, Russia, India and China combined.

There is a danger that another land of missed opportunity could soon be added to the list: Africa. The continent’s economy is going like a train, but visiting Kenya and Ethiopia last week I heard a repeated refrain from politicians and business leaders. Too many British companies are at risk of losing out. And who has jumped aboard already? China and